Sigh...sorry, this question gets asked every other day, and it always draws the people who know nothing about homeschooling.
I think it's a great idea for those families for whom it "fits". It is both a lifestyle and an educational option. For parents who are committed and kids who are motivated and responsible, it can be an incredible experience.
Do I think it's right for everybody? Of course not - but neither is public or private school. However, it has been shown to give a stronger all-around education statistically (at least from things like test scores and college admission/graduation), and it has also been shown to prepare kids to live responsibly in that great big world of ours.
If you do a search on this, you'll find dozens of similar questions and some really insightful answers. You'll also find the folks who just crawled out from under a rock and decided to answer something they know nothing about, but hey. :-)
2007-12-14 17:37:15
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answer #1
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answered by hsmomlovinit 7
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I think that homeschooling gives children real world experience and opportunities that public school cannot offer them. In addition it provides them with one on one attention that they cannot receive in public school. I think that the public education system in this country is quickly declining. When they established the "No Child Left Behind Act" instead of working harder to make sure that no child was left behind, they lowered the education standards so that most children are able to surpass the standards. The problem with that is that they made the standards too low, and now children are not receiving the type of education that they need.
I believe that parents are a crucial part in homeschooling. I do not think that a child who sits in front of a computer all day and self schools himself or herself is receiving a quality education. I believe that a parent who constantly teaches their child and makes everyday experiences from grocery shopping to fixing dinner to filling the automobile gas tank a learning experience is a good homeschooling parent.
I wish more children in this country were homeschooled. I wish that society would quit saying that homeschooled children are not socialized. Most homeschooled children participate in clubs, sports, and some participate in classes that are on campuses with other children as well as field trips. Homeschooled children are not cut off from all other children or denied social opportunities just because they are homeschooled. It's important for everyone to know this about homeschooling.
2007-12-17 00:17:52
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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I think it is amazing if you are willing to put the time and hard work into it. I was homeschooled K-12 and I would say it worked out pretty darn well for me. I am very outgoing, as are most of the HSers I know. Of course there are shy homeschoolers, but think how many shy public schoolers there are. I was accepted into all the colleges I applied too, I am getting my school paid for with scolarships, I have kept a high GPA, and was recently entered (by a proffessor) into a state-wide essay competition.
During elementary and middle school I saw my friends all the time at church, play/study groups, parties, playing outside, violin lessons, ballet lessons, violin group lessons, piano lessons, recitals, summer camps, music camps/workshops, and classes I took outside the home.
When high school came around I added even more things to my plate such as sports, political campaigning, volunteer work, teaching violin lessons, playing with a quartet and in an orchestra, and taking classes at a community collage. As you can see I was not hurting for social interaction! I never sat at home in my pj's all day and I was never bored.
During high school I was in an orchestra that had about 85 kids that had to audition to even get in. We had anywhere from three to four concerts per semester. At the local high school (were lots of my friends went and lots of my violin students now attend) the orchestra consists of about 30 kids. They play music that many of my 2nd grade students could handle, they only have one concert per semster, and many of the players are just there because it is an 'easy' A. If my brother wanted to do any wood work, all he had to do was tell my parents that he would be in the garage. My dad loves working with wood and building furniture so this was no problem. As for the sciences, we took classes at a local community college.
My brother did attend a private school the last two years of high school, but that is something homeschoolers understand: There is no one educational system that is best for everybody. Public schoolers are brainwashed into believing that their education is the best out there and everyone should be educated the same way. This is simply not true.
So yes, homeschooling can be amazing, but even homeschoolers (like my brother) change the way they learn and may decide to pursue other educational options. However, no other group (ie public, private, charter schools) has ever come close to imitating homeschoolers high standards.
2007-12-16 19:54:12
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answer #3
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answered by violin_duchess86 5
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Homeschooling has proven itself to be a great educational option for my 7 (soon to be 8) year old son who is cognitively gifted. I have homeschooled him for a little over a year, and it is going extremely well.
Some people mistakenly believe that homeschooled children are "shut in" or on "lock down" in the house all day which is far from reality. As a homeschooled student, my son has participated in a community march against domestic violence, park district sports activities, numerous field trips, "Kraft Great Kids" reading program through our local library, a community Thanksgiving dinner, etc. He is not in the house all day and finds it quite easy to converse with people of all ages; he is a social child, and I make sure he has the opportunity to socialize with people of all ages.
There are various methods of homeschooling and many homeschool curricula from which to choose. Homeschooling is one of the best decisions I made for my child, and I believe that most homeschoolers would say the same. However, homeschooling is not for those who are not committed to their children's education and overall well being. Also, the longer I homeschool, the more I realize that it is not just about the education--but it is a lifestyle.
I hope this is helpful.
2007-12-15 09:08:51
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answer #4
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answered by Ms. Phyllis 5
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Hey there! I think that homeschooling is a GREAT option. I am a homeschooled student, and I can tell you that it has been WONDERFUL! I have tons of friends, top grades, my teachers like me, and I have a strong career ahead of me. I am currently doing concurrent enrollment at a college- and basically skipping two years of college. I am hoping to get a masters degree in the time that it would have taken me to get my undergrad. I think that spending all day away from home has your kids gain an influence that you might not want. Homeschooling is a great option if you care to grow your child up in the way he/she should go. Perfect if you would like a say in the matter of what he/she learns. A lot of people don't homeschool because A: They think we're social nerds. Untrue. I have a ton of friends, and they have tons of friends. Just try to "get them out" and make some friends. A lot of kids need that little nudge once in a while. there are a TON of programs that will help you on this journey, which brings us to the second reason that people don't want to homeschool. B: people think that they are not "qualified" enough to be teaching there kids. Not true either (for almost all people). As I said earlier, there are hundreds if not thousands of homeschooling programs that will do the paperwork for you, give you curriculum, provide optional testing, extra-curricuallar activities, and great tutors.... The one I was in they had all that plus supplies for FREE!...so there are a lot of options out there, and i seriously believe that homeschooling is the way to go... Good luck, and have a Merry Christmas!!
HS
2007-12-15 02:51:32
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answer #5
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answered by Hobbit__song 2
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I think homeschooling is great. I've been homeschooled for 10 years and will continue to until I graduate. Homeschooling allows students to be themselves, study at their own pace (whether its slower or faster), and are not distracted by other kids. They don't have to compare themselves to other kids in their class. They don't have to worry about bullies at school or wearing what to class. The best thing about homeschooling is that academics is seperated from socialization. In a traditional brick-and-mortar school, they become easily distracted from friends. When homeschool, students can focus on their academic studies. As a result, they finish faster and have more time to pursue their interests and hang out with friends.
2007-12-18 12:00:32
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answer #6
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answered by AshleyW 1
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There are so many different opinions about this subject. I think the only way I can answer this question is by personal experience. I think homeschooling is a great alternative to the horrors of "Public school"! It can be a wonderous experience for a family and a safe way to raise your kids. I have found it a great way for my boys to learn and excell past what they could achieve in "Public School". Learning doesn't have to be just out of a book. It can happen anywhere at anytime. If my boys are interested in a subject they can spend as much time on it as they want. They aren't limited to 20 minutes for a subject, or 20 minutes for P.E. And they have the opportunity to learn about life. I can take them shopping with me and teach them about budgets, and putting gas in my van can be a math lesson.Or cooking dinner together teaches them math, cooking skills, and is a great bonding experience. The possibilities with homeschooling are endless.
2007-12-17 21:17:28
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answer #7
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answered by Victoria P 2
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One thing that is really sad about this question is that sometimes a family that is really considering the homeschool option might ask something similar and sincerely.
When and if that is the case, I hope the person takes the time to evaluate the answers on merit including quality, thoughtfulness, character, sources, etc.
I think most of these type posts, however, are just bait.
2007-12-15 12:01:49
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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I've been homeschooling for 9 years, and it's been a great choice for us.
It was great for fitting my kids' needs-- one is gifted in certain areas, so she was able to work at her own pace, branch out into some great volunteer opportunities, start taking college courses when she was 15, etc.
My youngest, on the other hand, who is now 6, has learning disabilities and ADHD. We're able to go at a pace and with activities that are better suited to his needs, he's able to learn the basic skills he has trouble with without distractions, and he's escaped having to live under any negative labels or treatment that would potentially hurt his self esteem.
Socialization isn't a problem, unless someone plans to stay in the house 24/7... my kids go to a co-op, go on group field trips with our homeschool group, meet for play dates, parties, go to the park and over friends houses, attend Sunday school and church activities-- there's no reason to stay home all the time just because you homeschool.
Few people who actually know a few homeschoolers well really worry about their socialization.
2007-12-15 01:41:45
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answer #9
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answered by MSB 7
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I've was home schooled till I was 17, when I entered college. I got a fantastic education at home, and I think I came out of home school a happy and well adjusted person. While I was home schooled, I don't think my social life suffered at all throughout my life I've had, and still have some of the best friends anyone could ask for.
I believe home school better prepared me far better for college then high school would have. I just completed my second year in college with a 3.85 GPA.
If you are thinking about homeschooling your child, I highly, highly, recommend it.
2007-12-15 14:47:49
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answer #10
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answered by leadfeather100 2
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Same question Different day! Not only that but we have the same half though out responses! HOME SCHOOLED KIDS HAVE FRIENDS!!! THEY ALSO HAVE SOCIAL LIVES! THEY PLAY ON TEAMS! THEY GO TO DANCE! THE SAME THINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLED KIDS DO! Sorry but we get tired of the same no socialization bs. These people know nothing about home schooling is they did then they would realize that home schooled kids do have lives outside the house.
What do I think about HS well we love it! My kids have experienced public schools and they would rather be here! We enjoy the life style and the freedom it allows us! We don't have to have the kids at the bus by 7:00 and be there to pick them up at 4:00! We can start Christmas break early because all the work that was planned for the month is done. We can go to the Dr's and not worry about how many absences they've had and if they will pass if I forget the Dr's note. By the way our Dr's love that we home school they agree that it can be better if its done right! We can make appointments for kids during school hours when offices aren't quite so busy sometimes actually being called in on time! We can take field trips to wherever we want whenever we want and spend as much time as we like. No one saying we have to hurry so we can get back on the bus on time so we can get back to school before the day ends. We can teach our kids what they need to know and what we think is right. No one breathing down our necks saying you can't teach that or you can't say that. Class times that fit our schedules.My list of what we love about it goes on and on!
EDIT: Just a thought to add! I have a cousin who was home schooled! She has never set foot in a college yet her life experance has qualified her for a doctorate in teaching! All she had to do was write her story!
2007-12-15 02:05:45
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answer #11
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answered by renee70466 6
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